Wanderings of a South African Prospector in Search of Copper, Gold, Emeralds and Diamonds
An important first-hand account of early 20th-century exploration in Southern Africa. Cornell, often described as the “ideal prospector”, recounts his gruelling expeditions through the Kalahari desert, Namaqualand, and the Orange River regions. A vivid portrayal of “diamond fever” and the hardships of life on the fringes, including encounters with lions, leopards, and the harsh realities of the diamond rush. Beyond the technical aspects of mining, Cornell provides insightful observations on the German colonial presence in South-West Africa and the indigenous populations he encountered. 334 pages. Illustrated with B&W photographic plates and a fold-out map at the rear. Light foxing throughout. Previous owners’ names and details to front paste-down. Bookplate to front free endpaper. Small wormhole to the prelims. Light splitting to the gutter at the front endpapers First edition. Condition: Good to very good. Binding: Hardcover. Wear to the head and foot of the spine. Abrasions to the spine. Edge wear. A small hole to the cloth binding at the spine.
Publisher: T. Fisher Unwin LTD
Date Published: 1920
Publication Place: London
First Edition: Yes
Condition: Good.
Binding: Hardcover.